Grindr, Tinder Not Happy With STD Billboards in L.A.

Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation plastered 45 bus benches and 12 billboards in L.A. with messaging that connects the popular dating apps Tinder and Grindr to chlamydia and gonorrhea. The AFH’s billboard campaign began on September 18 in the city.

Tinder and Grindr were not happy with them.

Shortly after the billboards and bus benches went up, Grindr removed all of AHF’s ads for free STD testing from its app and Tinder sent AFH a cease and desist letter.

“These unprovoked and wholly unsubstantiated accusations are made to irreparably damage Tinder’s reputation,” the letter read. “While Tinder strongly supports such testing, the billboard’s statements are not founded upon any scientific evidence and are incapable of withstanding critical analysis.”

Why were these billboards put up in the first place?

According to the AHF, the increase of STDs correlates with the rise in the popularity of mobile dating apps, also known as “hookup” apps. The AHF is not backing down and will plan to expand the billboards to New York City, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“Mobile dating apps are rapidly altering the sexual landscape by making casual sex as easily available as ordering a pizza,” said AHF senior director Whitney Engeran-Cordova. “In many ways, location-based mobile dating apps are becoming a digital bathhouse for Millennials wherein the next sexual encounter can literally just be a few feet away — as well as the next STD.”

Although Grindr was surprised at the approach the AHF took, the company will speak with them to assess their relationship.

At the end of the day, the tech companies and AHF are all on the same side of the issue, with the goal of keeping people informed and aware of health and wellness issues.